Plants with potential to enhance significant tumor growth

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Cancer Research
• Toxicology

Background:

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) screened 20,000 plant extracts for antitumor activity between 1960 and 1980.
• A significant portion of these extracts demonstrated either no efficacy or promoted tumor growth, contrary to initial expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify plant species whose extracts significantly enhanced tumor growth in preclinical screens.
• To highlight the potential risks associated with exposure to these specific plant species for individuals working in botanical or field settings.
• To explore the possibility of discovering novel compounds that promote tumor growth and understanding their mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the NCI's 20-year plant extract screening program.
• Comparison of tumor weights in control groups versus groups treated with plant extracts.
• Statistical evaluation of tumor growth enhancement across 42 different plant species.

Main Results:

• More than 95% of the 20,000 tested extracts showed inadequate tumor inhibition or promoted tumor growth.
• Fifty extracts, representing 42 species, were identified as significantly enhancing tumor growth compared to controls.
• Tumor weight served as the primary metric for assessing growth enhancement, with equal dosing based on implanted tumor weights.

Conclusions:

• The 42 identified plant species require further study to quantify risks for individuals with occupational or recreational exposure.
• These findings may lead to the discovery of novel compounds that promote tumor growth.
• Investigating the mechanisms behind tumor enhancement by these plant extracts could offer new insights into cancer progression.